Out'n'About: Day trip to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino offers live horse racing, slots and plenty of food options

The stables are alive with horses, the stands are packed with bettors and the gates on the track are now open, inviting all to enjoy the 54th horse racing season at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

The live horse-racing season runs through April 16 and includes several races that any fan of the sport should be on the lookout for. One of these is the Sunland Derby, on March 24, and is a prelude to the Kentucky Derby. This Grade 3 race is part of a new points system that will determine if a horse qualifies to race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

"We think the winner will certainly get into the Kentucky Derby," said Director of Racing Operations Dustin Dix to the El Paso Times.

Other races to watch for throughout the season are the Sunland Oaks and the Riley Allison Futurity. The first is a precursor to the Kentucky Oaks and the latter, which is named after the racetrack's founder, is the first leg of the Sunland Derby.
The Riley Allison Futurity is a long-standing race that will take place this Sunday.

"There is a lot of heritage to the Riley Allison Futurity," said Terri Wyatt, director of marketing and sales.

Typically races take place about four times a week on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. Most people are attracted to this sport because of the intricate waging and betting systems involved.

"Rather than puling a handle on a slot machine, you get more involved in the science of picking a horse," said Joel Marr, one of the leading Thoroughbred trainers at Sunland Park Racetrack.

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Betting in horse racing is referred to as pari-mutuel wagering, which means spectators wager against one another and not the racetrack. The racetrack offers wagering advice at the Science of Horseplay feature inside the casino.

Horse racing is only one entertainment option offered at the facility. The adjacent casino features more than 700 slot machines and several dining options.

Ventanas is a Las Vegas-style buffet with fresh-made pizza, a made-to-order pasta station and salad bar. Additionally, there are two different snack bars to choose from — Jackpot Grill and Tecate Cantina. There are also several bars across the complex, which Wyatt said have a welcoming feel to them.

"It's like Cheers. They know their clients and that's something that is missing in today's world," said Wyatt.

There is also a full-service restaurant, Riley's, which is open on live-racing days and special events. Riley's is located on the south end of the Turf Club and serves dishes such as steaks, sandwiches and homemade soups.

People looking to do something after a day of watching races can also go to Franklin's Lounge, which features live music every weekend and karaoke on Thursday nights. This weekend Mystal will perform on Friday and B.J. Pando y La Mezcla will play on Saturday. Both shows will start at 9 p.m.

"We get a rather eclectic grouping of music, which will attract all kinds of crowds," said Wyatt.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will also hold a New Year's party on Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in its Signature Showroom.
The New Year Celebration will feature live entertainment by Sha'vone and The Vibe. The cost is $35 per person or $250 for a group of eight, and each ticket includes dinner, a champagne toast and party favors.

The racetrack and casino complex is located in Sunland Park — a short drive from Las Cruces. Shuttle services are available on Fridays and depart from Hotel Encanto, 705 S. Telshor at 10:15 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. from Ramada Inn, 201 E. University Ave.

Racing aficionados still have 68 race days to look forward to in the season, which means plenty of weekend entertainment options in the area.

"There are a lot of people that haven't gone to the races, but if they were to go, they would definitely want to come back," said Marr.

Monica Soltero is a freelance writer and may be reached at soltero_monica@yahoo.com.

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